Where Innovation Meets Impact: USABC Hosts US-ASEAN Innovation Gala in Conjunction with COSTI-87 and Related Meetings
Jakarta, Indonesia – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in partnership with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), co-hosted he USABC-ASEAN innovation Gala Dinner on June 17, 2025, in conjunction with the 87th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) and Related Meetings. The event gathered over 90 participants, including senior officials from ASEAN COSTI, Permanent Missions to ASEAN, relevant ministries, and private sector leaders including ASEAN Business Advisory Council, foreign chambers of commerce and others to highlight the role of innovation in advancing ASEAN’s development agenda.
The Gala Dinner served as a platform to promote meaningful public-private dialogue and explore the critical role of innovation in achieving ASEAN’s sustainability, digital transformation, and economic goals. USABC members Apple and Lubrizol showcased their innovation and impactful work across the region. Apple highlighted the success of the Apple Developer Academy in fostering digital talent across Southeast Asia, and Lubrizol shared its advances in sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging.
In her remarks, Dr. Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, Chair of ASEAN COSTI, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the region, noting ASEAN's immense potential. Kate Rebholz, Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to deepening cooperation on innovation and science and technology with ASEAN.
“Tonight’s dinner is not only a celebration of the COSTI-87 and related meetings, and the progress being made through ASEAN’s science and technology cooperation – it is also a moment to connect and to reflect on the impact of innovation across the region, and how we can continue to be a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth in ASEAN,” said Angga Antagia, Director of Strategic Initiatives, USABC.
USABC remains committed to advancing collaborative efforts that strengthen ASEAN’s research and innovation ecosystem and supports initiatives that foster public-private partnerships. This event was made successful through the support of National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Science and Technology Division of the ASEAN Secretariat.ASEAN Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI).